AFL Cats Suffer Another Blow From Punch To Face

Matthew Scarlett dealt three week suspension for punching Fremantle player in the head.

April 2nd, 2012Robert White

Reigning premiers the Geelong Cats have suffered another setback after a very average first game as defender Matthew Scarlett been suspended by the AFL match review panel.

The Cats lost a four point thriller to the Fremantle Dockers at Pattison’s Stadium in Perth on Saturday night in a game that saw multiple players reported.

Scarlett will miss the next three matches for punching Hayden Ballantyne in the head (see it here) however, James Kelly and James Podsialdly were cleared for their respective charging and striking offenses.

Ballantyne also faces a stint on the sidelines for striking Geelong’s Paul Chapman. His suspension will likely lessen the blow for the bitter Cats fans as the tiny Ballantyne irritated Geelong players all night with his typical behind-the-play antics.

Fremantle won their first game under new coach Ross Lyon, 16.9(105) to 15.11(101) and were saved by two late goals from captain Matthew Pavlich.

Scarlett will be sorely missed next Sunday when the Cats face Hawthorn at home. The three-time premiership player would have been a valuable addition for the game against the Hawks whose lineup features a host of talent in the forward line.